DOWNTON ALAJUELA
Alajuela is laid back and organized. The city center is adorned by an impressive park with lots of tall, ancient trees that are a testament to the city’s grandeur. During the afternoon the square is the perfect place to sit, relax and socialize with the many locals drawn by the shade and cool breeze. After taking a break in the park’s benches cross the street and visit the impressive red domed cathedral.

The town’s central market is located two blocks west of the park. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and all kinds of knick-knacks can be found in this large establishment where local farmers display the best of their crops. If you want a cheap savory meal, try one of the soda’s (small cafeterias) in the market.

Another free-of-charge must-see is the Juan Santamaría Museum located a block north of the town center. Housed in the old city jail, the collection tells the tale of the drummer boy hero who gave his life to protect the country from foreign invaders in 1856. Every year on April 11 the town celebrates Juan Santamaría day with a large parade through town and a public carnival. A park and statue were also built in his honor in the downtown area.

ZOO AVE
Your first contact with nature ought to be Zoo Ave in La Garita, a park that specializes in more than 100 species of native birds but also provides a home for the four varieties of monkeys found in Costa Rica and several other animals.

The zoo is set up so its inhabitants roam freely in their designated areas and visitors can get up close to observe their environments and behaviors. Their captive breeding program, which emphasizes the procreation and re-introduction of endangered species, as well as the rescue center, are extremely important to the local ecosystem. Zoo Ave is handicapped accessible and convenient for small children.

After working up an appetite at the zoo, follow the La Garita road to some of Costa Rica’s most famous traditional food restaurants. La Fiesta Del Maíz (open on weekends and holidays only) is a must-stop for local tourists coming back from the beach. It features corn-based products native to Costa Rican cuisine. Las Delicias del Maíz is famous four their dishes a la tico and their generous portions are guaranteed to fill you up and keep you coming for more.

BUTTERFLY FARM
Don’t miss nature’s colorful spectacle at the Butterfly Farm in La Guácima, where more than 60 native species of butterflies flutter freely in the enclosed environment. Pathways lead you through and knowledgeable guides show visitors every step in the butterfly’s complex and interesting life cycle. If you’re lucky you may witness the actual moment when a butterfly breaks through her caterpillar cocoon and assumes her new, beautiful form. The farm is the first commercial butterfly endeavor in Latin America. Millions of multicolored butterflies are bred and grown in this farm and more than 30,000 pupae are exported to zoos around the world. If you have children, this is the perfect place to take them for an interesting, fun and educational experience.

FRAIJANES RECREATIONAL PARK
The road to the Poás Volcano will also lead you to Fraijanes Recreational Park, an 18-acre (8 ha) facility located only 8 miles (15 km) north of Alajuela. The park’s peaceful setting is ideal for watching bird species such as white-eared ground-sparrow, yellow-throated brush-ginch, white-throated spadebill, grayish saltator, steely-vented and humming birds flying free by the hundreds.

Fraijanes is the perfect road stop for a picnic before you head off hiking through the volcano. A small man-made lake provides a serene backdrop and a series of trails make their way through the chilly, forested terrain.

BOSQUE DE PAZ
Go trout fishing and bird watching at Bosque de Paz, a secluded private natural reserve hidden in the valley between the volcanoes Platanar and Poás.

The scenic sanctuary consists of 960-acres (390 ha) of mountainous rain-soaked terrain. Forest trails lead you to curassows, black guans, deer, howler monkeys, capuchins, spider monkeys and numerous other native animals.

VOLCAN POAS
The green giant rises above Alajuela like a watchful fire god. The Poás Volcano is the country’s most developed national park and definitely one of the prettiest views in the whole country. It is conveniently located a short hour away from San José and paved roads lead you all the way to the summit with handicapped accessible pathways to the crater.
Sulfur pools bubble and smoke rises from the main basin reminding visitors of the natural fury contained below. Trails lead you down the forested grounds to an amazing jade-colored lake that rests in the valley left behind by an inactive crater. Don’t forget to look up occasionally during your hike because colorful secrets such as quetzals, robins and toucanets hide on top of the trees.

On a clear day you can see both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea from the volcano’s summit so it is best to arrive early in the morning to avoid afternoon clouds.

HIGHWAY ONE DRIVE
Highway one takes you to most of Costa Rica’s natural attractions but along the way charming surprises also line up for your enjoyment. Follow the sings to Grecia, Sarchí, Naranjo, Palmares, San Ramón or Zarcero to experience the best of everyday Costa Rican culture.

Grecia’s quaint community revolves around a striking metal cathedral and palm-tree shaded park. The steel church was imported from Belgium during the late XIX century and hides beautiful wood interiors, complemented by fine glass chandeliers and a marble altar. The town is also famous for the World of Snakes enclosure where more than 300 live snakes are displayed in an attempt to educate visitors and eliminate negative stereotypes. Believe it or not, World of Snakes also has a petting program!

The coffee-growing Costa Rica of centuries past comes alive in Sarchí, home of the emblematic decorated oxcart. The intricate, colorful designs are hand-painted by artists and you can feel free to watch as they work. The town is known for its crafts, fine furniture and numerous souvenir shops.

Palmares is famous for its fiestas (carnival) held in January, when the town’s main plaza is invaded by different tents, food, beer and Costa Ricans searching for fun. A more mellow note is set by Zarcero’s peculiar park where elephants, monkeys riding bicycles and helicopters adorn the central square. The figures are shaped out of cypress trees amusing visitors of the picturesque town where the air temperature is pleasantly refreshing.